VALLEY — The San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group (SLVBHG) provides a variety of outpatient services. However, Inpatient Psychiatric Care is non-existent in the San Luis Valley.

Individuals requiring inpatient psychiatric care often travel to Pueblo or Colorado Springs. This is not an option for many living within the Valley. It is the belief of the SLVBHG, that treating individuals within the community relates to more family involvement and better outcomes. To put this belief in practice the SLVHBG has developed a walk-in crisis center named the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center.

The Mi Esperanza Wellness Center is located at 311 San Juan Ave in Alamosa with plans underway to open a second location this year. This service is a bridge between keeping people safely in the community and sending them for psychiatric care elsewhere. Often individuals experiencing a behavioral/ mental health crisis go to the Emergency Room. The natural environment of the Emergency Room is driven by medical emergencies and is often overwhelming for those seeking behavioral health assistance.  Through partnerships with local emergency rooms, the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center provides a safe, calm space to receive attention and treatment from behavioral and mental health specialists.

The Mi Esperanza Wellness Center is a place people can go without feeling the stigma of having a behavioral/mental health crisis. Providing a safe and private setting for individuals to receive the services they need to regain control. With an emphasis on recovery and linking individuals to services, SLVBHG can prevent visits to the ER or hospitalization outside of the community.

The Mi Esperanza Wellness Center (Walk-in Crisis Center) is available 24 hours a day seven days per week.

For the month of May the center will be closed Sun – Tues 2 a.m. - 8 a.m. However, emergency mobile services are still available by phone 24/7. Call 719-589-3671.

What services are provided at the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center?

·  Education to reduce symptoms and improve functioning and access to other supports

·  Trained staff to assist individuals in developing and/or enhancing coping skills and help support (family members, friends, etc.)

·  Help individuals with mental illness or emotional crises to obtain ongoing care and treatment

When should you think about going to the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center?

·  When you need extra support to cope with a stressful situation

·  When you find yourself getting more anxious, depressed, and you are unable to function well and need help to feel more stable

·   Call and ask to speak to an emergency services clinician if you are not sure if the crisis living room is appropriate for you – 719-589-3671.

For more information call 719-589-3671 or visit slvbhg.com/wellness

Caption: The Mi Esperanza Wellness Center is located at 311 San Juan Ave in Alamosa./Courier photo by Ruth Heide